Reflections

Cultural Arts Education In Schools

Involvement in the arts increases academic achievement. Studies have shown that eighth graders who are highly involved in the arts get better grades, are less likely to drop out and are more likely to attend college. Yet fewer U.S. students report receiving any arts education today than 25 years ago-and the declines are steepest among African-American and Hispanic students. PTA supports a well-rounded education for all students, including the arts as a core academic subject.

Reflections 2016-2017 Theme “What Is Your Story?”

Students may create entries in any or all of these categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, and Photography, Visual Arts (2-dimentional and starting this year, 3-dimentional). Remember that the successful students relate there artwork to the theme is worth 50% of the total judges’ score. The specific rules for each category are available below. If you would like a copy of the file Click Here. The 2016-17 National Reflection Theme Winner “What Is Your Story” is from Duval County Student Breanna Eisman, Douglas Anderson PTSA.

Another great way for students to get involved in the Reflections Program is the annual Theme Search. The Reflections theme for 2016-2017 is “What is your Story?” This theme was created locally by Brianna Eisman, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts PTSA, Jacksonville, FL. Encourage your student to brainstorm and imagine a theme that will appeal to other students. For submitting the award-winning theme, the student receives $100 and recognition at the National PTA convention in June. To submit a student’s suggestions for a Reflections Program theme, complete the entry form and send it to Florida PTA by November 16, 2016.

2015-2016 NATIONAL PTA Reflections Awards Announced

National PTA has announced the 2015-2016 Reflections winners. Congratulations to Haley Pafford, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts PTSA who received the 2016 National PTA Reflections Award of Excellence in Dance Choreography. To see a complete list of winners, 2016 National PTA Reflections Awards.

2015-16 State Reflections Winners

Reflections is a nationwide arts appreciation and recognition program for students in grades PK-12. The program allows students to express themselves artistically based on a common theme. This year’s theme is “Let Your Imagination Fly”. Entries were judged on Interpretation of Theme, Artistic Merit, Creativity, and Mastery of Medium. Each entry was accompanied by an artist statement to describe the student’s interpretation on the theme.

For each grade division, only one entry was given the Florida PTA Award of Excellence which was forwarded to National PTA for additional judging. Up to six entries were recognized with an Honorable Mention with the Florida PTA Award of Merit. For the list of 2015-16 Duval State Reflections winners CLICK HERE. For the complete list of 2015-16 State Reflections winners CLICK HERE.

Congratulations to the Florida PTA State Award of Excellence and Award of Merit winners. The winners from National PTA will be published at a later date.

2015-16 County Reflections Winners

2015-2016 Reflections Program Theme: “Let Your Imagination Fly” Duval County Council of PTAs Winning Entries Reflections is a nationwide arts appreciation and recognition program for students in grades PK-12. The program allows students to express themselves artistically based on a common theme. For the complete list of 2015-16 Reflections winners CLICK HERE.

2014-2015 Reflections Program Winners

DCCPTA collected 242 entries from 20 local PTAs and PTSAs. All entries shined with talent. The students put lots of effort into their work, artist statement, presentation, and individual interpretation of this year’s theme.

For each art category in each grade division, three entries earned the Award of Excellence. These entries have been forwarded to the State Reflections program. Also in each art category in each grade division, up to five entries received Honorable Mention with the Award of Merit.

Duval County also had a winner in the nation-wide Theme Search contest. Brianna Eisman from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts was one of five students forwarded by Florida PTA to National PTA for consideration for the 2016-2017 theme. Congratulations and Good Luck Brianna!

DCCPTA wishes to thank all of the Local Unit Reflections Chairs, parents, and volunteers for their extensive support of our students throughout this program. Also, a big thank you to all of the judges in each art category who volunteered their time and expertise to allow so many students’ efforts and hard work to be recognized far beyond their local schools.